How long for laying hens to get settled in ?

[Fire06]

Hey everyone, Just want to start with thanks to everyone in this group. I’ve used a lot of your information to get started with my laying hens. I just brought home 4 Rhode Island Reds about 18 weeks old. They came from a high production location and weren’t in great shape in my opinion. I believe over crowding was the issue. They are in a good home right now. 8x10 coop and 11x10 fully Inclosed Run with roosts and toys ha ha that my son said they need. Anyways it’s only day three with them here with us but they won’t roost or go to their nesting boxes. Everything is clean an comfortable for them. I actually put three of them in the nest boxes yesterday to show them where they are an one actually laid an eggs which was exciting. Once they jumped down they won’t go back up and they haven’t even attempted to go out to the Run outside. Is there anything I can do to help them figure things out or should I just let them figure it out on their own ??? I don’t want to handle them to much and end up making them scared. Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[Percheron chick]

18 weeks is young to be laying. I would give them another 4 weeks or move before theystart laying with regularity.
If they came from a production environment, they didn't have runs,roosts and nest boxes so it's all new to them. They will figure it all out. One leader will be brave and show the others.

 

[aart]

They came from a high production location

Curious exactly what this means?
Pics of birds might help here.

Oh, and..... Welcome to BYC! @Fire06
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Fire06]

18 weeks is young to be laying. I would give them another 4 weeks or move before theystart laying with regularity.
If they came from a production environment, they didn't have runs,roosts and nest boxes so it's all new to them. They will figure it all out. One leader will be brave and show the others.

Sorry my mistake they are 18 months not weeks. Another egg today. I moved the nest boxes to the ground and they laid in them right away. Still not roosting though I’ll definitely give them some time. Thank you

 

[Percheron chick]

18 months. Now that makes more sense. I'm thinking why get rid of 18 week old pullets? The hard work is done. Now they can start earning their keep.
So they were more than likely caged hems. No dirt, no roosts, no nest boxes, no sun, no kitchen scraps, no bugs, no toys, so no life. They have to learn everything. They can't balance on a roost so give them a board or branch 6" off the floor for them to practice on. Give them a litter pan of dirt to scratch in and take a bath. Their claws might need to be trimmed so they can walk. Sprinkle some scratch on the ground to stimulate their mind. Give them a week. They'll figure it out.

 

[Fire06]

Great thank you for your response. I think they are coming around I snuck up on the coop and peaked in. I moved the nest box’s to the ground and they have started using them. 3 eggs so far. One is jumping up and down off the roosts so I’m hope the other will follow suit. They still won’t venture outside into the run. They won’t go through the little door and down the ramp ( not steep at all ) they were jumping up to the windows though almost like they wanted to go out just not sure about the door and ramp. Hoping this is is a sign they might be getting braver.

 

[aart]

They still won’t venture outside into the run.

What does your run look like?
Is there a roof, solid or mesh?
Is it open and bare or are there some 'enrichments'?
They are not used to being outside, that big sky is scary.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Fire06]

What does your run look like?
Is there a roof, solid or mesh?
Is it open and bare or are there some 'enrichments'?
They are not used to being outside, that big sky is scary.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

It’s fully caged and enclosed. No roof on the run and there is a hinged door that opens from the outside and stay open till night time. 1X6 rough pine board as a ramp to walk down for them. Not steep at all

 

[aart]

Looks good...add some 'clutter', especially something solid to get under, and toss them out there in a few days.